Meet Major Garima Yadav: 1st Woman Army Officer ADC to Uttar Pradesh Governor
Major Garima Yadav, an officer of the Indian Army’s Army Service Corps (ASC), has achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first woman officer from the Indian Army to serve as Aide-de-Camp (ADC) to the Governor of Uttar Pradesh. Her appointment marks a significant moment for women officers in the Indian Armed Forces and reflects their expanding responsibilities in military leadership, administration and prestigious institutional appointments.
Commissioned into the Indian Army on March 9, 2019, after completing her training at the Officers Training Academy (OTA), Chennai, Major Garima Yadav has built a career spanning operational and administrative responsibilities. Since September 14, 2025, she has been serving as ADC to Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel.
Her journey from a student at St. Stephen’s College, New Delhi, to an Indian Army officer and subsequently to a prominent appointment at Raj Bhavan, Lucknow, is an inspiring example of determination, discipline and dedication to service.
From St. Stephen’s College to the Indian Army
Major Garima Yadav completed her education at Army Public School, Dagshai, before pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from St. Stephen’s College, New Delhi.
Before joining the Armed Forces, she aspired to enter the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) and prepared for the Civil Services Examination. Although she could not clear the IAS Mains examination, her career took a different direction when she successfully qualified for the Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination.
She secured All India Rank 2 in CDS 1 2017 and was recommended for the Indian Army in her first Services Selection Board (SSB) attempt.
Interestingly, before joining the Army, Garima had also participated in the India’s Miss Charming Face beauty pageant, which she won in November 2017. She had an opportunity to participate in an international pageant in Italy but chose to pursue her military career instead.
In an earlier interaction with SSBCrack in March 2019, she spoke about her mother's influence on her life, her decision to join the Army and the challenges she overcame during her training at OTA Chennai.
Commissioned into the Indian Army in 2019
Major Garima Yadav was commissioned into the Indian Army on March 9, 2019, after successfully completing her pre-commission training at the Officers Training Academy, Chennai.
She joined the Army Service Corps (ASC), one of the Indian Army's important logistical arms, responsible for supporting military operations through supply, transport and other essential logistical services.
During her military career, she has served in various operational and administrative appointments, gaining experience in leadership, military logistics, coordination and administration.
Her journey through military training and professional service reflects the demanding responsibilities undertaken by officers serving in the Indian Army.
First Woman Indian Army Officer to Serve as ADC to Uttar Pradesh Governor
On September 14, 2025, Major Garima Yadav assumed the appointment of Aide-de-Camp to the Governor of Uttar Pradesh, becoming the first woman officer from the Indian Army to hold the position.
She is also identified as the first woman ADC to the Governor in Uttar Pradesh, marking a milestone in the history of the state's gubernatorial establishment.
An Aide-de-Camp is a military or police officer appointed to assist a senior constitutional authority with official engagements, ceremonial duties, programme coordination and protocol-related responsibilities.
In her present role, Major Garima Yadav assists Governor Anandiben Patel during official engagements, institutional visits and ceremonial functions. Her responsibilities involve coordination with the Governor's Secretariat and various government and institutional authorities.
Her presence in the Governor's official engagements has also been documented publicly. On July 21, 2026, Major Garima Yadav was among the officials accompanying Governor Anandiben Patel during her visit to Major Dhyan Chand Sports University in Meerut.
Breaking Barriers and Inspiring Women Defence Aspirants
Major Garima Yadav's appointment represents another important milestone in the growing participation of women officers in the Indian Armed Forces.
From serving in operational and administrative appointments to undertaking responsibilities alongside senior constitutional authorities, women officers continue to demonstrate their professional capabilities across diverse roles.
Her journey is particularly inspiring for young women preparing for the CDS Examination and aspiring to join the Indian Army through the Officers Training Academy.
Her story also highlights how determination and adaptability can open unexpected career opportunities. Having initially prepared for the civil services, she discovered a different calling in the Armed Forces and went on to establish a successful military career.
An Inspiring Journey of Determination and Service
From winning a beauty pageant and preparing for the civil services to joining the Indian Army and serving as ADC to the Governor of Uttar Pradesh, Major Garima Yadav's journey reflects perseverance, ambition and a commitment to serving the nation.
Her achievements demonstrate that there is no single path to becoming an officer in the Indian Armed Forces. What matters is the willingness to embrace challenges, continuously improve and remain committed to one's responsibilities.
As the first woman Indian Army officer to serve as ADC to the Uttar Pradesh Governor, Major Garima Yadav has reached a significant milestone in her career while setting an inspiring example for the next generation of women defence aspirants.
